Get a Grip - Evidence-Based Conversations for Parents and Educators

Join Dr Kathy Weston in an in-depth conversation with Melinda Tankard Reist, author, advocate and co-founder of Collective Shout, as they explore the impact of the sexualisation and objectification of women and girls in media, advertising and online platforms. Melinda shares her journey from journalist to activist, revealing how structural misogyny and the normalisation of pornography shape young people’s attitudes, behaviours and relationships. From the TikTok-to-OnlyFans pipeline to global campaigns against violent misogynistic content, Melinda highlights both the risks facing young people and the small but powerful steps educators and parents can take to create a safer, more equitable world. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in protecting children, challenging harmful cultural narratives, and empowering the next generation to demand respect and equality.

Please note that this interview contains adult themes and is not suitable for younger ears.

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Professor Cara Swit, is a leading expert in early childhood social development, who has been exploring a question that often goes overlooked: what do children think about their parents’ device use? Her latest study gives six to nine-year-olds the chance to share their perspectives through drawings, role play and child-centred workshops.

This interview delves into her findings, which reveal that even young children notice patterns in parental device use, form judgements about “too much” screen time, and express strong feelings about how it affects their relationships and play. While children value shared digital experiences, many also report frustration, sadness, or neglect when devices become a barrier to connection. Tune in for some practical strategies for managing device use without guilt. It's a great reminder that listening to children’s voices can reshape how we think about technology, relationships and wellbeing in the digital age.

In this interview, we spoke to two titans of the business world, CEOs of major companies who are also parents juggling family life. How do they do it? What are their tips for busy parents? But also, what leadership tips might they have for education leaders or anyone supporting children and young people? Listen to their views on education, aspiration and raising children in a busy, complex world. 

How do young people really feel about smartphone bans in schools? We've chatted with Dr Megan Reynolds, postdoctoral researcher at the Anti-Bullying Centre, Dublin City University, whose recent study shines a spotlight on students’ voices in this high-profile debate. Moving beyond statistics, her qualitative research captures how pupils experience restrictions, what they believe works, and the unintended consequences bans can have on school culture, trust and digital literacy.

How are children engaging with generative AI and what do they need to stay safe, informed and empowered? In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, Dr Nomisha Kurian, a leading researcher on AI and children's wellbeing, talks about the unique ways in which young people are using tools like ChatGPT, Alexa and AI-powered apps. Drawing on developmental psychology, ethics and real-world data, Dr Kurian explores the opportunities and risks of AI as a learning companion, confidante and creative tool. This interview offers practical insights for educators and parents, highlighting what child-safe AI could look like, and why children must be included in the conversation.

In this insightful conversation, Dr Christie speaks with Professor Maria Loades and PhD researcher Natalia Kika from the University of Bath about innovative, evidence-based ways to support adolescent mental health, both for teens and their parents. They explore the development of Unlock Wellbeing, a free website featuring quick single-session interventions designed to deliver positive, accessible and effective support at the point of need. Together, they discuss the barriers that prevent many families from accessing help, the importance of co-designing resources with young people and why early, empowering support can make all the difference.

Dr Weston talks with Dr Maame Afua Nikabs, linguist, author and advocate for justice, about the power of speaking up, and the practical steps we can all take to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Drawing on her lived experience and her work supporting organisations through LingLab, Dr Nikabs explores how language, bias and silence can hold people back, and considers what it takes to dismantle these barriers. They discuss accent discrimination, inclusive leadership and how to navigate difficult conversations with clarity and courage. A must-listen for anyone committed to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Dr Weston speaks with Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Stephanie Wescott about their research into teachers’ experiences of sexism in Australian schools. They discuss how misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate seem to be shaping the attitudes and behaviours of some boys (often from a young age) and explore the profound impact this is having on teachers, pupils and the wider school environment. Drawing on interviews with over 130 teachers across diverse school settings, they reveal how gendered disrespect, intimidation and disinformation are affecting educators and discuss the urgent need for systemic, community-wide responses. Essential listening for anyone interested in gender, education and how we can create safer, more inclusive schools.

We're shining a spotlight on UCL PhD researcher Chiara Fehr, whose thought-provoking work explores the role of social media platforms like TikTok in shaping teenage girls' identities, values and experiences. Chiara shares insights from a group of teenage girls on everything from algorithmic bias to body image, consumer culture and the complexities of growing up online. In this fascinating interview, Chiara discusses how adults can better support young people at home and school through active listening, curiosity and open dialogue.

In this conversation with Dr Cassie Rhodes, Luisa Fassi, PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge and winner of the Psychology of Technology Dissertation Award, discusses her work exploring how teens with and without clinical-level mental health conditions engage with social media. Her findings highlight the complexity of online life for young people, particularly those experiencing internalising symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Luisa’s work pushes us to look beyond screen time alone, and instead to consider emotions, behaviours and vulnerabilities and how these might be reflected in young people's digital experiences.